Republicans succeeded in a party-line vote to start replacing the rules, which keep Internet providers from blocking or slowing down your Internet at will. The rules also keep corporations from getting paid to prioritize certain content's delivery to users over others.

Republicans call net neutrality rules are a burden on poor conglomerates like AT&T and Verizon. Democrats say the rules are necessary to protect consumers and ensure fair service.

Also on Thursday: President Trump called himself a witch, Michael Flynn's life got more complicated and Fox News lost its founder.

Trump denies Comey memo report, cries 'witch hunt'

Much of D.C.'s current dumpster fire stems from reports that former FBI Director James Comey, whom President Trump fired last week, said Trump asked him to "let this go" in regards to an investigation on Michael Flynn, Trump's former security adviser.

On Thursday, Trump denied that he pressed Comey: "No, no – next question." He also called mounting talk of his possible impeachment "totally ridiculous."

Trump went on his latest Twitter spree that morning to call FBI inquiry into his campaign and Russia "the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history." That, of course, is untrue: A politician faced a literal witch hunt during the actual Salem witch trials in 1692.

It keeps looking worse for Michael Flynn

Trump's team knew Michael Flynn was under investigation and hired him anyway, according to a New York Times report. That makes things complicated for Mike Pence, the vice president who said he didn't know until March that Flynn secretly worked as a paid lobbyist. Even more awkward: According to the Times, Flynn disclosed his investigation status to Trump's transition team, which was headed by Mike Pence. Pence stood by his claims on ignorance on Thursday.

Mueller: Good for Trump, but also bad

Analysis poured in on Thursday on just what Robert Mueller's appointment as special sounsel over the Russia inquiry means for Trump.

It's good for him in the short term, as USA TODAY's Susan Page explains, temporarily calming his opponent's cries for an independent investigation. But a special counsel means this inquiry could stretch on for more than a year, overshadowing Trump's agenda.

Both Republicans an Democrats praised Mueller's appointment, however. The former FBI director served under both George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and is known for as an unswayable investigator who follow trails wherever they lead.

Fox News founder dies at 77

Reports broke Thursday that Roger Ailes, founder of Fox News, died at 77. Ailes transformed TV news before resigning as Fox News' CEO last year amid a sexual harassment scandal. A Palm Beach police report said he hit his head after falling in a bathroom in his Florida mansion, recently purchased for $36 million.